Photos — Cal Poly beats CSUSB in exhibition

So, Joe Callero wasn’t just joking around. Cal Poly men’s basketball looks like they will be playing a little faster this season. The Mustangs showed an adjusted style of play in a 73-60 win over a game Cal State San Bernardino team.

CSU San Bernardino is a Division II team, but they’re a talented, athletic D II squad and Joe Callero’s team got a nice introduction to competitive play before they hit the road to UNLV and UCLA this weekend.

David Nwaba showed some maturity, choosing great times to get some offensive rebounds and put-backs in the second half to extend Cal Poly’s lead. His two dunks were vintage Nwaba and his game-high 19 points were indicative of his ability to get his scoring within the flow of the game.

Gonzaga transfer Luke Meikle showed the ability to score enough down low to be a threat and once his shot comes around, he could be a really dangerous offensive weapon. Ridge Shipley looked in control and it was great to see the smooth-stroking Taylor Sutlive back from a knee injury that cost him all of last season. Zach Gordon was moving well coming off his knee injury as well and Reese Morgan managed not to hurt himself diving through the CSUSB in the first half. In the end, Cal Poly played 11 players and, while they need to gain a little more game stamina, it was clear that this team is going to be deeper than any Callero has had.

It’s going to take discipline from everyone involved to change gears, but don’t expect the Mustangs to go back to a slow-paced, drawn-out offensive system that they’ve employed in recent years. Callero said post game that his team cannot just go back and forth at their leisure. In the past, they’ve committed to the slow-paced play, and generally stuck with it. Look for them to have the same mentality with the new, faster pace.

You guys, college basketball is here. It’s going to be an exciting season.

Games this week:

Friday, Nov. 13 — @UNLV — 7:00pm

Sunday, Nov. 15 — @UCLA — 7:00pm